Serious Cycling

by Edmund R. Burke, Chris Carmichael (Foreword)

Ride faster and more efficiently with Serious Cycling . Exercise scientists have unearthed a wealth of information that cyclists can use to improve their performance. However, most cyclists have never had access to this great body of knowledge. Now you do. Serious Cycling bridges the gap between scientific observation and cycling performance. It takes the latest scientific data on physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, injury prevention and recovery, and training, and translates it into practical applications that will have an immediate impact on your personal training program. Written by one of cycling's top experts, this book will help you build endurance, increase lactate threshold, and enhance cycling strength and power. Two-time U.S. Olympic team staff member Ed Burke has combined physiological training principles and real-world experiences to make Serious Cycling the reference that no elite cyclist should be without. The training methods and techniques he presents are what the top cyclists use. You'll learn how to - use power meters and heart rate monitors to gauge what is happening in your body while you work out;
- prevent injuries and illness, even during periods of hard training and racing;
- use proper nutrition and cutting-edge supplementation strategies to train harder and recover more effectively;
- make your body and your bike work with—not against—each other,
- get the best, most current information on proper positioning and cycling biomechanics; and
- apply effective tactics and race strategies to ensure your success in time trials, road races, and criteriums. Whether you're a competitor, a club member, or a weekend century rider, Serious Cycling will give you the know-how—and the means to apply it—so that you can reach your full potential.

Genres: Cycling, Nonfiction, Fitness, Sports

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1986

Reviews

[Thomas]

Outstanding book for a comprehensive look at what it takes to prepare for the sport of cycling. Great for a beginning competitive athlete or for a committed cycling enthusiast.

[Jan Ko]

Great book with complex info from beginning of buying equipment, nutrition, training to race.
Multiple Info or ways are described, which can be confusing for some readers.

[Folkert Wierda]

This was a re-read. This is a book mostly intended for road and track racers. Mountain bikers and e.g triathletes will find some mention, but not extensive discussion of their specific interests. The book's organization is a little chaotic, but the depth of several of the chapters is pretty good. Especially on food and on performance enhancing supplements. Training structure and planning are discussed, but a much better book for that topic is Joe Friel's "The Cyclist's Training Bible". A good read for anyone serious about getting their cycling to the next level.

[Sasha]

Although this book is clearly intended for the serious amateur or pro cyclist, I have found it helpful for myself, a recreational cyclist. I used the stretching and strength training exercises, as well as the nutritional section, more than any other part of the book. I do not race and I train primarily for endurance rides in the summertime, so the information was helpful and answered many of the questions I had about various kinds of training regimens.

[Erik]

An excellent book for avid cyclists who like to go fast and go hard. This is not your average cycling book for touring cyclists, it is unique in that this book was designed specifically for competitive cyclists. A great read for those who have read all the "other" cycling books and are looking for something more in line with their goals. Get it!

[Ben]

A must reference for any serious racer.

[Steve]

An excellent book that covers all aspects of bicycle race training. My only reservation is the chapter where he discusses the many ways of doping.

[Hasan]

Cycling is not so complicated so it is hard to write one more book on it. In Serious Cycling's 280 pages the author gets around to the subject of pedaling on page 270.

[Virgilio Pigliucci]

Quite outdated. Not really worth your time… if you are serious about cycling, spend more time on your bike and try to live an healthy and balanced life…. results will come! (Without cheating!)